WDW with Grandparents

[Max]

Family of 8, worried about GM keeping up, (67yrs, low energy) on average we walk 4-8 miles a day at the parks. GF walks 4miles a day, so he's in good shape. Any suggestion, GM hasn't been to WDW in 20 years.

 

[TomD]

I took my parents the last 2 yrs. My best suggestion is to go at their pace. If the pace is too quick someone could fall (like my dad did) and it will make the rest of the trip miserable.

We also split up for a few hrs so we could do things we wanted to do and they didnt.

 

[paigevz]

If she'll ride in a scooter, get it. It could make it much more enjoyable for her, and give everyone else rests from time to time as well.

Splitting is great too. On the last trip we took with our grandma along, she, I and the 10 month old would spend the morning on our own, while dad and the 8 year old did their thing, we'd all meet for lunch, then all rest at the hotel, then all spend the evenings together.

Since we take trips every couple of years, we can afford to slow down if needed. This year, she is going with us in summer, she'll be 68, and we plan to all rest when the four year old needs to. That way, she'll get her rest too, and not feel like she's slowing us all down.

 

[Max]

Going at their pace sounds nice, but grandpa has a quick pace, someone mentioned a scooter, I'm wondering if that my sound insulting if I ask her. She is a very proud educated woman, like we all are!

 

[Max]

After walking through WDW for 4 days, I'll be ready for a scooter.

 

[Addicted2TheMouse]

My grandmother used a scooter a few years ago. She was mortified about it at first but it actually worked out really well. I think it's a great idea if she would try it.

 

[Beetle]

We went Dec '05 with GF 63 who has Parkinsons. We chose Grand Floridan hotel because he was familiar with it from past visits and because of the monorail. He was most interested in Epcot so we did that on the first day while his energy was highest. By the time we got back to the countries, GF would sit outside and enjoy the entertainment while DD5 worked on her mask, met with characters, etc.

Throughout the week, we would to wrap up major events before dinnertime, giving GF/GM the opportunity to head back to the hotel if they wanted. We also made ADRs for Cinderella dinner at 1900 Park Fare one night because it was at our hotel.

Parades were another easy thing for us to do. We would find a spot and GF (my dad) would hold the spot with me while rest of family played before the parade started. Gave us some great one-on-one quality time and GF got to rest.

I was so impressed with how much GF enjoyed our visit. Epcot was by far his favorite place, with the parade/Lion King Festival at AK being right up there too.

Hope some of this helps.

 

[Max]

Thanks for your response, this might be a good thing. GM might like spending more time with our DS 6months.

 

[jennifer293]

We took DH's dad and stepmom last year and it was a BLESSING!!!! I think his dad is like 53 and stepmom like 49 or so. I don't keep up with age that well. Anyway they all did pretty well and I heard no complaints from them whatsoever. I was the one complaining the most. We got there on a Friday and by Wednesday my legs were like Jello. Every person I saw with a sccoter or wheelchair I just wanted to hop in their laps so I could get off my feet.

This is why we are going for 10 days this time around so every other day I am resting whether it be by the pool or waterpark or in my hotel bed..LOL


FIL did tease SMIL a lot telling her if she didn't keep up that he would leave her behind to die..(one of his favorite movie quotes) you just had to be there it was hilarious every time he said it..